Overview
Bigger Terrain, Bigger Buildings, Bigger Fun! Yeehaw
Powder Cowboy Cat Skiing expanded its ski able terrain from 2,700 acres to a whopping 6,000 acres. The new terrain, larger than most North American ski resorts, boasts some of the best glade skiing in the B.C Rockies, stunning open bowls, and rolling pitches. “The terrain is the most versatile and ever-changing terrain I have ever skied” says Scott Fieldhouse, head chef at Powder Cowboy. “It is like a shot of baileys in your coffee – smooth with a bit of a kick!” he continued.
Situated in the gorgeous Columbia Valley, the overnight guests of Powder Cowboy stay in cozy log cabins at the Bull River Guest Ranch, nestled at the base of the Steeples Range between Fernie and Cranbrook.
With all this new terrain, Powder Cowboy has expanded to 24 skiers/riders. The ranch has grown to include a new 3,000 square foot dining saloon with a vault ceiling and massive river rock fireplace. It also boasts a large outdoor covered deck with its own fireplace. The perfect place for sharing a beer and telling tales of deep powder turns.
There is a lot of excitement about this expansion in the industry “Some of the skiing that I am most excited about is in the new terrain” explains Head Guide at Powder Cowboy Kirsten Knechtel. “We have explored some of the terrain in the past but it was difficult to get to, and now it is really exciting to have it within our reach.”
Although Powder Cowboy is new, the operation has been around since 1991 as SnoMuch Fun Cat Skiing. Powder Cowboy is now a part of the Island Lake Resort Group sharing some staff, chefs, mountain guides, and snow cat drivers with the renowned Island Lake Lodge.
Snow Cat Skiing at Powder Cowboy is as unique as the snow is deep. It combines the legendary powder of the Canadian Rockies and the western culture of the Columbia Valley, making it a snow cat ski experience like no other. After an incredible day of skiing/riding kick back on the deck and imagine a way of life cowboys lived over a century ago sharing stories of the day around the fire, under the ponderosa pines watching the horses graze in the pasture.
To help introduce people to Cat Skiing, Powder Cowboy is offering Day Cat Skiing. There are also some three and four-day packages available throughout the season.
"Ski bum … what does it mean to be a ski bum, and why is the derogative term “bum” attached to the subject of skier? Why are we not simply called ‘ski addicts’, or ‘skiaholics’? The answer is simple; most skiers enjoy a high quality of life in exchange for a low quality of living; thus we rarely have opportunities for luxurious ski holidays where we are waited on hand and foot. So when a friend invited me to stay at Powder Cowboys’ Bull River Guest Ranch, and go cat skiing for a day I jumped at the chance.
Upon arrival, with cowboy hats in place, we waltz into the 100 year old Big Horn Saloon. The saloon is riddled with history, right from the log structure to the stuffed trophy elk hanging off the walls, to the guides, cooks, and cat drivers who were awaiting dinner. As plates are cleared and the last drops of red wine sipped back, the staff informally educates me to the history and current operations of this unique place. Although only a guest, I quickly feel welcomed into the ‘family’ of Powder Cowboys here at the ranch.
A grand tour of the ranch reveals several modern, cozy log cabins, sheltered fire and picnic areas, the beginning of a new lodge, and ends at the ‘bath house’, which hosts a sauna and two hot tubs. More wine, and the blue-lit hot tub are great for the ski-bum. The night ends as we stoke the cabin’s wood stove and crawl into bed.
An early alarm sounds for breakfast and a quick avalanche safety meeting before loading the cat, and rallying up to the drop zone. As the two snow safety personal give our crew the green light on many different slopes, our faces become permagrinned; partly from the cold smoke face shots through gladed trees, log-rides, and small cliff drops, and also from the positive atmosphere in the cat as we crawl towards our next descent. Lap after lap, we ski/ride, hoot, holler, laugh, and eat. Life is rough!
When it is all said and done we return to the ranch for an après beer, and a final hot tub; then we grab our hats, some road pops, and hit the dusty trail. It is hard to leave this serene, friendly ranch, with its renowned cat skiing, but all good things must come to an end.
Being a ski bum is great, but being a Powder Cowboy was awesome."
D. Treadway
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Reservation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking. The final balance is due 120 days prior to your arrival. Cancellations within 120 days are non-refundable.
Unfortunately, Powder Cowboy cannot book anyone under the age of 19. They recommend that you purchase Visitors to Canada, Medical and/or Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance - ask for details when you book.
Cancellation Policy
Powder Cowboy Catskiing reserves the right to cancel tours at any time without notice. Prices are subject to change without notice prior to booking.
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In addition to snowcat skiing, browse related adventure travel and active vacations such as back country skiing, cross country skiing, dog sledding vacations, heli-skiing, polar expeditions, ski resort lodging, and snowmobiling.
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